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Old 09-11-2018, 23:46   #1
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Davidson 46

Hi all,

Looking at boats, have been for a while. Current favourite is this one - https://www.trademe.co.nz/1702114595

Viewed it Friday. Nice arrangement below, Very large saloon and cockpit. Very roomy.

Has a lot of newer equipment. Negatives - in cockpit traveller.

One thing, we have been 'warned' it has a very powerful rig. We are thinking bit like buying a Ferrari having never driven as we have little sailing experience and a powerful rig might be bit of an issue. BUT I also think you don't have to drive a Ferrari at top speed all the time. OK so spares and repair - you are buying parts to accommodate/fit with a powerful setup. Should it be an issue for us?
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Old 10-11-2018, 01:54   #2
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Re: Davidson 46

One obvious drawback is that the cockpit is laid out for a big crew. The winches and mainsheet are not within reach of the driver, and that's a problem with a (typically) short handed cruising boat.

Has some nice features... no info about the rig. In line spreaders? Fractional? Wet noodle mast with mandatory runners? Lots of questions. Likely well constructed, and the Kiwis usuallly do a good job with cold molded hulls.

But yeah, could be a handful for a small and inexperienced crew. Could sail with small jibs and a reef or two ALL the time until confidence is developed. Would likely still sail well.

Jim
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Old 11-11-2018, 15:10   #3
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Re: Davidson 46

Hello Colin,

Triple skin kauri is a lovely way to build a boat. That's a plus. Should the boat get bashed somewhere, not too many people know how to fix it, but not a problem in NZ. So if it were to be a problem it might occur during a circumnavigation.

Is that a Volvo saildrive in it? We've always avoided both Volvo engines and saildrives. They do have their proponents, though. A CF Custom Google search (in the menu under the Search button) on saildrives vs. shaft drives should get you to a discussion of that subject.

One of the good things about tall masts is that you can use a lot of sail in light airs, sailing when others are motoring can be deeply satisfying. And, as Jim said, you can sail around with short sails while building confidence, then push your limits. A powerful rig means you may sail with a reef in more often than others. She has the potential to be a joy to sail.

One of the ways to learn a lot about your new boat is to take it club racing. You see what sail combinations which folks are using, you see what heel angles they are happy to utilize, and the other folks will be generous sharing their knowledge with you.

When you're ready for new sails, seek out a sailmaker who will give you good input about what you should have for how you sail your boat. Some lofts want to sell you what makes their profit biggest, but the smaller ones, sometimes are quite willing to work with your needs.

It is a large boat for a first boat, you would be on the steep part of the learning curve, too. It is indeed, spacious below, but how is she for hand holds? Our boat's somewhat similar in appearance below, but has finger rails instead of hand rails. Just imagine what you would grab onto when she is heeling and bouncing in a seaway, you really need to be able to get fwd sometimes, and it's easy to underestimate the importance of hand holds of some sort.

Ann
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Old 12-11-2018, 04:28   #4
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Re: Davidson 46

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Colin.
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